Jammu: Pakistani troops resorted to night-long firing and mortar shelling on border out posts and hamlets along the International Border in Jammu district, prompting the BSF to retaliate.

Pakistani Rangers resorted to heavy small arms firing and mortar shelling in civilian areas and BoPs along IB in Arnia and R S Pura sub-sectors in Jammu district throughout the night, a police officer told PTI.

BSF personnel guarding the borderline took positions and fired back resulting in exchanges which ended around 0230 hours today, the officer said.

"No migration of people has taken place from these border areas. We are keeping a close watch on the situation", the officer said, adding, "If need be, we will evacuate the people from the border villages".

The mortar shells had hit Arnia border town, where three persons were injured.

Panic had gripped the border villagers last night, who switched off their lights and took shelter in bunkers to save themselves from the Pak shelling.

There have been half-a-dozen ceasefire violations by the Pakistani forces in the past over one week. On January 27, Pakistani rangers had resorted to small arms firing on BoPs in Arnia sub-sector of Jammu district, forcing BSF to retaliate.

On January 25, Pakistani Rangers had resorted to small arms firing along the IB on Jugnu Chak BoP in Jammu.

On January 21, BSF foiled an infiltration bid in Arnia sub-sector. On January 20, Pakistani Rangers violated the ceasefire by resorting to firing by small arms on BoPs in Jammu district.

On January 13 and 12 also, there was small arms firing by Pakistani rangers in Samba sector.

Pakistan resorted to firing of mortar shells and small arms along the IB in Hiranagar belt of Kathua district also on January 11. On January 6 also, there was ceasefire violation by Pakistani rangers in Kathua district.